32 New World Wines with Food / Tapas at Enoterra

32 New World Wines plus food / tapas at Enoterra for $25 / person. We managed to taste all the wines.

This was #32 (last) in the tasting but we decided to have the only sparkler first, instead. It was first paired with beef skewer (hmmm) but was best with the empanadas (which were excellent).

• NV Bodega Norton 101 Bubbles 91 Points

  Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo

  Fine and elegant bubbles with notes of pear, green pepper and lovely acidity. This was excellent with the empanadas. Could work with spicy or Asian food, too. I looked up the wine the next day. It is 100% Gruner Veltliner, low alcohol (11.7%). It was #32 (last) on the tasting list (who puts a sparkler last in a tasting?) but we had it first. We paid $14.40 locally although I see it online for as little as $13.50. Great QPR at either price and a good summer sparkler. Drink now.

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• 2016 Dutton-Goldfield Chardonnay Dutton Ranch 89 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Some ok fruit but not as showy as other vintages of this -- or as my expectations. Perhaps it was the location in the lineup? #23 -- and we had it later, after many reds and some palate fatigue. I'd love to try again.

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• 2016 Dutton-Goldfield Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 90 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Raspberry, strawberry, sweet red fruit. Better with food and the mortadella sausage, which was a good pairing and brought out some earth flavors. Needs some time to put on weight. $54 retail. $48.50 with 6+ bottles 10% discount (at Enoterra). Sharper prices on sale, no doubt. I've bought other vintages of this and been thrilled so this would probably be good.

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